Week of July 6, 2009

Bob visiting with Suzy at Wendy's

Although Bob was packed up and ready to go home last week, unfortunately the plans were changed.  Bob was very disappointed with the change of plans.  He was really looking forward to getting home to be with his family and back to Wendy's.  The doctor felt that Bob could benefit from another week at Pinecrest.  Bob was very happy that the doctor did agree to let him take trips out of the hospital to go home and to Wendy's.  Bob continues to spend his morning in therapy sessions and then goes on his trips in the afternoon.  

Bob continues to make improvements all around.  He is now able to sit up in bed and stand up on his own.  He does require a wheelchair to get around now, but he continues to work hard on walking with a walker.  Thank you for your continued prayers.

Week of June 29, 2009

Spending my last Sunday at Pinecrest

To my Friends and Family,

Thank you to everyone for all your support. It gave me motivation and meant a lot to me. I want to go out and restart my life. I will be going home on Wednesday. After 3 months of being at the hospital I am excited to go home and also back to Wendy's.

Bob

Week of June 22, 2009

Bob chatting with a friend

This week was a difficult one for Bob.  In addition to instability with his blood pressure, Bob was in severe pain due to a kidney stone.  The doctors had planned on taking Bob to his home for a visit in order to see how he would function in the home setting.  The trip had to be cancelled due to the amount of pain Bob was in.  Bob and the team of doctors are hoping that they will be able to reschedule the trip for next week.  

Continued thanks for the love, support and prayers you have all shown Bob and the entire family.  Be sure to check back next week for an update from a special person. 

Week of June 15, 2009

Bob with Michael (Suzie's son), Shannon and Brandon

Although Bob has not been feeling his best, the physical therapist said that there is no one more motivated and hard working than Bob, even when he's not 100%.  Bob continues to be busy with his various therapies.  He walked 124 feet last week with a specialized walker.  Bob's speech continues to get better.  He is also getting better at sitting up, transferring to a wheelchair and standing (all with the help of a nurse or therapist for now).  

There is still concern about Bob's blood pressure.  He has had problems with it dropping and has been confined to staying in his bed when it is low.  Even though the therapists have told Bob he can have the day off on these days, Bob insists on doing the therapies from his bed.  Please continue to pray for Bob.  We hope that he continues to gain strength, that his blood pressure stays at a consistent and safe level, that he has patience with the speed of his progress and that he feels God's presence surrounding him. 

Week of June 8, 2009

Bob and sister Laurie (my mom)

Bob and I outside for the first time since the stroke

Bob continues to amaze us all.  He continues to receive 3 hours of therapy each day.  In occupational therapy he is getting much more independent with daily activities and slowly gaining more range of motion in his arms and legs.  In speech therapy he has really been working hard at saying what he wants to say.  The therapist believes that Bob has a form of apraxia from the stroke.  With apraxia Bob knows what he wants to say, but he can't always verbalize the right words.  This really frustrates Bob.  With time and repetition Bob's brain will continue to make "connections" and the words will start to come back.  In physical therapy Bob is making huge gains.   On Wednesday he took his first steps.  As I mentioned in the previous post Bob walked 18 feet with the help of the therapist.  On Thursday Bob walked a total of 47 feet (20 feet and 27 feet).  He is now walking in PT with the help of a specialized walker.  Yesterday was another big day because he walked 75 feet with shoes on.  

For now phone calls (on his cell) and cards are the best way to contact Bob.  He does have his cell phone with him at Pinecrest.  He is continuing to ask for no visitors next week so he can focus on his therapy sessions.  After 3 hours of therapy he is exhausted.  Bob is also asking for no visitors because he is very worried about germs and infection.  I did have a chance to share the blog with him when I was with him this week.  He was extremely touched and emotional about the comments left on the blog and everyone that is praying for him.  In the 4 days that I spent with him he mentioned the blog at least 5 times a day.  He thought it was so cool to tell the nurses how many hits he had on his blog.  

Quick Wednesday Update

I have big news to share. Today during physical therapy Bob walked 18 feet with the help of the therapist. He was very happy when he was finished and made sure to call and share the good news. Bob has been doing really well at Pinecrest. He continues to have daily therapy sessions. He has made improvement in all areas. I was amazed today when the doctor came in and asked if he could lift his right leg (stroke side) off the bed. Bob not only lifted his right leg, but held it in the air for 5 seconds. Keep the prayers coming...they are working!!!!

Sunday Update

Bill, Laurie, Dad, Mom, Sue, Debbie and Bob in front

The Morden Family

Bob had another day filled of therapy.  When not in therapy sessions he spent most of the day sleeping.  He is really exhausted from all of the work the therapists are making him do.  Although in the past we mentioned how much he has enjoyed visitors, Bob is asking for no visitors over the next 7 days.  In order to help his rehabilitation and acclimation of his body doing more, Bob has requested a week of privacy.  He is hoping that a week of rest will give him enough energy to welcome visitors the following week.  Thank you for understanding.